That very day, I took the next flight after Magnus and landed in Y City. This project had always been handled by Weston, our vice president. My unfamiliar face was perfect for making an unexpected move. By nightfall, the grand banquet hall was a whirlwind of clinking glasses and murmured negotiations.
I examined myself in the grand lobby mirror, admiring the champagne-colored mermaid gown hugging my figure. This was one of the extravagant purchases I'd made during my amnesia—using Magnus's card. With the jewelry, I had squandered nearly ten million dollars. Even this flight ticket had been charged to his account. Magnus surely knew I was here.
Standing at the entrance, my gaze swept the room, but I didn't spot him. Just as I was about to step back, I collided with a solid chest. A faint, elegant scent of aged wood wrapped around me instantly.
That cold, familiar voice carried a sharp edge. "Miss Rothschild, not keeping up the act anymore?"
I blinked in surprise before immediately flinging myself into his arms. "Honey, I missed you so much!"
My sudden movement caused my gown to slip slightly, revealing an expanse of bare skin, drawing quite a few intrigued gazes.
"Who is she?"
"Looks like Mrs. Everstone."
Magnus stiffened for a second, his face darkening. He wordlessly draped his jacket over me and pulled me into a private catering room. The cold countertop pressed against my back, making the glasses and utensils clatter. His gaze darkened. "Lillian Rothschild, what exactly are you trying to do?" He only used my full name when he was suspicious.
Good. That meant I had fooled him again. I toyed with his tie, letting my gaze wander. "Nothing… I just missed you."
"Tell me the truth."
The smile on my lips faltered as I lowered my head, eyes welling up with tears. "They said… you have a mistress in Y City. I had to come see for myself…" His gaze remained utterly emotionless. "That's not true."
"Liar!"
I pouted and kicked him lightly. "I just saw you talking to a woman! You don't love me anymore…"
"...!"
Magnus pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly exasperated. "She's a business partner." Of course, I knew that. She was Vice President of the Sinclair Group. I turned my head away stubbornly. "I don't believe you! Unless you bring me along tonight."
Magnus, thoroughly irritated by my antics, sighed in resignation. "Fine."
That night, I clung to Magnus's arm like an overly affectionate socialite, engaging in lively conversation with the Sinclair Group's representatives. Magnus's attempts at serious discussions were repeatedly interrupted by my cheerful chatter.
Eventually, he sat in a corner, his dark gaze locked onto me, silently observing. I had no idea what he was thinking.
As soon as the banquet ended, Magnus whisked me away to his room. The door shut with a thud, plunging the room into darkness.
His calloused fingers traced the curve of my neck as he murmured, "Lillian, I never realized you were so naturally clingy."
His voice was steady, but in the dim light, it carried an irresistible allure.
I had had a few drinks, and my head felt light. Leaning into him, I mumbled lazily, "I just don't want you talking to other women…" A shiver ran down my spine.
God, how embarrassing. Was this really how I had acted while I was amnesiac?
Magnus let out an amused chuckle. "No official status, yet so possessive." Just as he was about to push me onto the bed, his phone rang. The flashing light was piercing in the darkness.
He answered.
His secretary's voice carried through the receiver. "Mr. Everstone, the Y City contract has just been snatched by Miss Rothschild's team."
Magnus's expression froze. "Who did you say?"
"Her vice president, Weston Hayes."
The room fell into absolute silence. The clock in the corner ticked in sync with the pounding of my heart, each beat striking a nerve.
Casually, I nudged him with my foot while holding my breath, waiting for Magnus's reaction. The friction against his suit trousers created a faint rustling sound.
He ended the call, a cold smirk tugging at his lips. "Lillian, you knew I had a contract to sign today, didn't you?"
Resting against his chest, I inhaled the deep, woody scent that lingered on him but said nothing.
He grasped my chin, tilting it up for a long moment before suddenly chuckling. "You've regained your memory, haven't you?"
A jolt ran through me. If I admitted it now, I wouldn't make it through the night.
Feigning innocence, I muttered, "Honey… it's hot…"
His gaze locked onto my face, taking in the flush that alcohol had painted on my skin. Those deep-set eyes of his remained unmoving.
Magnus masked whatever calculations ran behind them, his tone soft yet laced with danger. "Lillian, do you think I'm easy to toy with?"
"I like you… how could I be playing—" His smile faded. Without warning, he leaned in and bit my lip. The taste of iron spread between us, laced with the anger he couldn't fully suppress. Only when I whimpered did Magnus release me, his fingers threading through my disheveled hair as he let out a cold chuckle.
"Go on. What other nonsense do you have for me, darling?" Catching my breath, I met his gaze with sincerity. "I love you—ah!" A sharp ripping sound filled the air as my dress was torn apart at the seams.
Magnus's eyes darkened completely. "You really don't give up, do you?" He trapped me against the wall, his fingers weaving between mine, tightening his grip.
A soft laugh escaped his lips. "I hope you'll say the same thing when you finally remember everything."
"Otherwise, I won't hesitate to destroy you myself."
……
